Choosing the Right Espresso Machine: How to Avoid Common Buying Mistakes

Buying a commercial espresso machine is a big investment—but it’s easy to get it wrong. From picking the wrong boiler system to falling for marketing gimmicks, here’s what to watch out for:

Mistake #1: Buying a Machine with Too Little Power
A single boiler, 1500W unit may work for home use, but it won’t survive a café rush hour.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Temperature Control
Without PID or T3 systems, you’ll get uneven shots.

Mistake #3: Overlooking Service Access
Some machines make basic maintenance a nightmare.

Mistake #4: No Steam Capacity Planning
You need strong, consistent steam if you’re serving milk-based drinks.

Mistake #5: Choosing Aesthetics Over Function
It may look great on Instagram, but can it perform?

How to choose right?

• Go dual boiler if your volume exceeds 50 cups/hour

• Look for PID/T3 control systems

• Choose durable plumbing (copper or stainless steel)

• Verify warranty & service support